...and what are you doing?

Since I began this water well project there have been many people who have told me how impressed they are with this undertaking.  I have never done this, but I often want to say in response, "Thanks, and what are you doing?"  I don't mean this in a judgmental or accusing way at all because many of your are doing a whole lot more than most, but simply as something to think about.  I am by no means a super-star philanthropist or someone who sacrifices everything in an effort to help others.  There are many people who do double, triple...the good that I do.  
I want to ask this because what I am doing is not overly sacrificial, difficult or amazing but will make a difference to people in this world and everyone could be doing their own thing too.  With 2013 approaching I realize that many people will be making New Year's Resolutions, and rather than resolving to lose that same 10 pounds we've resolved to lose for the last five years, why don't we all make a resolution to do one thing to make the world better!  I admit I feel very disappointed when I read my Facebook feed only to see people posting and reposting their complaints about the country or the world.  This whining does nothing to improve our circumstances nor does it help anyone in our world.  Could we instead volunteer to mentor children who are struggling in school?  Could we volunteer at a food pantry or have a yard sale where we donate all the money to a charity that we feel passionate about?  I have for almost 40 years listened as we all complain about how terrible things are when in reality we are abundantly blessed and live in an amazing country that allows us more freedoms than most.  We have so much and yet are not giving back.  My Christianity tells me that it is our responsibility to support each other.  It is our responsibility to give back.  I believe God wants us blessed but does so so that we will in turn bless others and this, I believe is missing.  If we were all to step up and be our brother's keeper then this task would not fall on our government!  It is our role, our responsibility and our task to do this, and so I ask...and what are you doing?

Fix It

Our sermon this week was on Nehemiah and his compassion for Jerusalem. Rev. Shane Bishop's quote from this sermon that I felt was my exact chain of events on how this Works4Water project came about was this "You know. You care. You're talented. Now fix it!" If we all acted on the things that pull at our heart strings how much could the world be positively impacted? Makes me wonder!!  

For those of you who don't need any pictures but wish to support the cause of bringing clean water to those without it, I've started a pledge page on Charity:Water's webpage where you are able to donate with 100% of your donation still going to fund water projects. Just go to http://mycharitywater.org/works4water if you're interested in donating any amount and thank you!!!

Fall is Near!!

The cooler air of fall is starting to creep in and with that comes some of the most beautiful outdoor pictures.  Pumpkins and leaves, sweaters and jeans make for some awesome photos.  I had set a random goal of reaching $2000 by the end of the summer, and as often happens with God, I have reached that exact amount.  I don't know why I chose $2000, but it just felt like that's where I wanted to be to start off the busy fall photography season.

I am still being blessed through this project and will have an informational table on Works4Water at an upcoming women's conference at our church on October 20th.  Check it out and join us at http://www.mychristchurch.com/thejourney.html#conference.  I am praying for this opportunity to get the word out and to line up some new photography sessions.  This is out of my comfort zone to hand out cards/information to people as I am not at all the salesperson type and don't want anyone to feel pressured in any way to let me photograph them, however, if they don't know, they can't support and with $3000 left to raise I need to spread the word.  Happy fall and may you all find your own works!!

I had the opportunity to photograph some American Bully dogs & puppies the other day for the water project.  The dogs were amazing and the black puppy is for sale and is an MWMB ABKC PKT Grand Champion Gadget American Bully Puppy Born March 31st if anyone's looking ;)  Check out www.thebullyville.com if you're interested.  

One Day & One Dollar Closer to Building a Well

I am officially at $1400 and am praying that I reach the $2000 mark by the end of the summer.  No real reason for that mark other than it sounds closer than $1400.  As my husband and I were out and about the other day we came across some beautiful old barns and since I enjoy any opportunity to practice photography, I did.  Thanks again to all those supporting this effort and if you're ever in need of some photographs I would truly appreciate the opportunity to take them!!

Today our girls had a lemonade stand to help raise money for Works4Water.  They raised $65 and sat there so patiently all morning!  I am so proud of them and feel that our family was blessed today by all the kind people who donated, told them to keep the change, and came by for support!  It is so refreshing to be reminded that the majority of people want to help make the world a better place.  It still amazes me how,  in our attempt to bless others through this water well project, we are constantly receiving blessings!!  Hanna, the artist of the family,  even designed a beautiful poster for the day :)  and, yes, we got so busy some lemonade spilled down the front of the sign but it's all good!!

Graduations, Family Reunions, Birthdays...
With so much going on and so many celebrations I'm hoping to line up some new photography sessions over the next few months.  My generous friends & family have allowed me the opportunity to photograph them and have donated almost $1200 which is so exciting!  I am setting a goal of reaching the $2000 mark by the end of summer.  We have had so many perfect-weather days that would be perfect for outdoor photos!  I am still reminded on a daily basis as to why I set this goal and how truly blessed I am personally and we are as a country.  It's so easy to take for granted our comfortable & safe lives but I still truly feel it is our responsibility to give!!  The girls are planning a summer lemonade stand to earn some money towards this goal as well.  Hanna has even brought me a recipe for a lemonade slush she'd like to sell :)  It makes me proud to see our children developing a heart for giving.  Please let me know if you're interested in any photographs and I wish you all a beautiful summer!!

Beautiful weather= beautiful outdoor photographs!

Here are some new photos of our children.  The weather has been so beautiful and I am praying and seeking out new ways to drum up photography sessions.  I'm feeling the project has stalled and I'm so determined to accomplish this that I'm hopeful that God leads me to the next way to keep this going.  I am so thankful to all of those who have supported this project so far and know that this will happen in due time.  In the meantime, I'll keep practicing on my own beautiful blessings :)

First Pictures of the Spring Season

I took my first pictures of the spring season for Works4Water today of nine Labradoodle puppies.  They were so adorable and so much fun to photograph.  I truly enjoyed photographing them and am excited to be back at earning money to build the water well in Central Africa.  Annie's Labradoodles of Freeburg, IL brought them out on this beautiful Sunday and my children could hardly contain their excitement!!  I'm feeling very anxious to get this well built and am ready to work hard photographing people and pets to earn the $5000.  If you're in need of some updated family photos, please let me know as this weather couldn't be more perfect for outdoor photos.

Spring has arrived!

It  has been a mild winter for us in the midwest and now, although it's not officially spring yet, our weather looks to be warming up and staying that way :)  With these beautiful days ahead I'm anxious to get back to work photographing families, children, pets...and earning more for my $5000 goal.  I'm at $1125 to date which overwhelms me, but there's a long way to go.  Please let me know if you'd like to set up some pictures and have a beautiful spring!!